Real Madrid have clinched an historic tenth European title with a hard-fought 4-1 victory over rivals Atletico Madrid, with £85m man Gareth Bale netting a vital late goal to help seal victory.

Tonight’s final was set to be an intriguing affair from the moment both sides made it through to the showpiece in Lisbon – and it didn’t disappoint.

Atletico were just two minutes away from a maiden Champions League crown, with Diego Godin’s 36th-minute goal looking to be the difference between the sides, until Sergio Ramos headed home a dramatic equaliser in added time.

The city rivals were still level at the half-way mark in extra time, but Gareth Bale – who had spurned two gilt-edged opportunities earlier in the match – made no mistake at the third time of asking and headed Real in front for the first time in the game.

And that ensured the floodgates opened, with Marcelo netting shortly after, before Cristiano Ronaldo – quiet on the night – converted from the penalty spot to make it four.

Diego Godin opened the scoring (Picture: AP)

After an edgy start to the game, in which Ateltico’s star striker Diego Costa limped off after just nine minutes, Bale had the first real chance of the encounter.

But with an opportunity he would put away nine times out of 10, the Welshman failed to test Atletico’s Thibaut Courtois as he fired wide from close range.

And he was made to pay just four minutes later when Iker Casillas’ indecision allowed Godin to head over the goalkeeper and give La Liga champions the advantage after 36 minutes.

Both sides had their chances in an increasingly frantic second half, Bale again firing wide when he had team-mates free in the centre, while Angel Di Maria’s superb cross evaded everyone.

But focusing on Real’s misses would be unfair to Atletico and their sensational defensive effort, particularly Godin who was outstanding.

However, Carlo Ancelotti’s side refused to give up the ghost and in the third of five minutes of added time, Ramos rose highest to head in a superb equaliser.

Extra time was a scrappy affair with both sets of players tiring. But after 110 minutes Bale made the crucial breakthrough.

Di Maria’s mazy run ended with Courtois parrying his effort to Bale, who couldn’t miss with a header from three yards.

Marcelo then made certain of the result eight minutes later, firing low past Courtois before Ronaldo dispatched from the penalty spot after being felled by Godin.